CGTN Releases Interview Video Highlighting Coral Reef Crisis in the South China Sea – GlobeNewswire

Report on the Coral Reef Crisis in the South China Sea: Emphasizing Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

On June 25, 2025, CGTN released a report highlighting the critical coral reef crisis in the South China Sea, drawing global attention through an interview video by Huang Yue. The report underscores the urgent need to address environmental degradation in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

Current Ecological Status of the South China Sea

The South China Sea serves as a vital marine resource for numerous fishermen, yet it faces severe ecological threats. According to the International Coral Reef Initiative, over 84% of global coral reefs have been affected by the fourth mass bleaching event, with significant damage observed in China’s waters.

• Decline in Biodiversity: Professor Yang Hongqiang from the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology reported a sharp decline in coral reef diversity, pushing many marine species toward extinction.
• Environmental Stressors: Rising seawater temperatures disrupt coral-algae symbiosis, depriving corals of essential nutrients and accelerating mortality.
• Additional Threats: Severe storms, ocean acidification, and outbreaks of Crown-of-Thorns starfish further exacerbate the coral reef crisis.

Human Impact and Media Representation

The report identifies human activities as a significant factor in coral reef degradation, including destructive fishing practices such as the use of explosives by some foreign fishermen. Misleading media reports have also hindered conservation efforts by sensationalizing claims about artificial island construction using coral fragments.

1. CGTN’s investigation revealed that most sandbars are naturally formed by wave-accumulated coral debris.
2. Monitoring data from 2016 to 2018 confirm natural sandbar shifts post-storms, disproving artificial construction allegations.

China’s Contribution to Coral Reef Restoration

China plays a pivotal role in global biodiversity conservation, proposing innovative solutions aligned with SDG 14 and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

• Coral Restoration Efforts: Professor Huang Hui’s team, known as the Coral Mother, has planted nearly 400,000 coral plants and cultivated over 100 species across a 30-hectare sea area in Hainan.
• Technological Advancements: China promotes coral reef monitoring and restoration through artificial intelligence, underwater sensors, and international cooperation.

Urgency of Climate Action

Immediate global action on climate change is essential to preserve the South China Sea’s ecosystems, supporting SDG 13. Australian coral biologist Jennifer Matthews emphasizes that time is pressing and that global attention to underwater ecological warnings is crucial to reversing coral reef decline.

Conclusion

The coral reef crisis in the South China Sea highlights the interconnected challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable resource management. Addressing these issues through collaborative efforts and innovative restoration aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring the protection of marine life and the livelihoods dependent on it.

Contact Information

China Global Television Network
Reporter: Huang Yue
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 17092894596
Website: https://www.cgtn.com/

Related Media

Photo Accompanying the Announcement

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 14: Life Below Water – The article focuses on the coral reef crisis in the South China Sea, highlighting marine ecosystem degradation, coral bleaching, and biodiversity loss.
2. SDG 13: Climate Action – The article emphasizes the impact of climate change, including seawater warming, ocean acidification, and severe storms affecting coral reefs.
3. SDG 15: Life on Land (indirectly) – Through biodiversity conservation efforts and species protection mentioned in the article.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – International cooperation and use of technology such as AI and underwater sensors for coral reef monitoring and restoration are highlighted.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 14 Targets:
   • Target 14.2: Sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including coral reefs.
   • Target 14.3: Minimize and address the impacts of ocean acidification.
2. SDG 13 Targets:
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards and natural disasters.
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into policies and planning.
3. SDG 15 Targets:
   • Target 15.5: Take urgent action to reduce the degradation of natural habitats and halt biodiversity loss.
4. SDG 17 Targets:
   • Target 17.6: Enhance North-South, South-South and triangular regional and international cooperation on and access to science, technology and innovation.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Coral Reef Health Indicators:
   • Percentage of coral reefs affected by bleaching events (e.g., over 84% affected globally during the fourth mass bleaching event).
   • Coral reef diversity and species extinction risk levels.
   • Extent of coral reef restoration efforts (e.g., number of coral plants planted, species cultivated, and area restored).
2. Climate Change Impact Indicators:
   • Seawater temperature changes and ocean acidification levels.
   • Frequency and severity of storms impacting marine ecosystems.
3. Monitoring and Technology Use Indicators:
   • Implementation of artificial intelligence and underwater sensors for coral reef monitoring.
   • International cooperation activities and data sharing.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

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